Bury commemorations for VJ Day anniversary

A Civic Service of Commemoration, exhibition and other events will take place in Bury marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

VJ Day (Victory Over Japan) on 15 August marks the end of the war which had begun with the German invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939.

A service will take place on Friday 15 August 2025 at the World War Two Memorial within the grounds of Bury Parish Church (to the left of the main entrance to the church).

The service will include the laying of wreaths in remembrance, the reading of memories of 1945 from Bury’s Archives and poetry written to mark the occasion.

The service will start at 10.30am and is expected to last for approximately 30 minutes.

Working with the City of Trees we will be planting a memorial tree by the Commonwealth War Graves in Bury Cemetery from 1145, which will incorporate the national silence at midday. All welcome to attend. Meeting point is the main entrance gates on St. Peter’s Road, Bury BL9 9RL.

Buildings in the borough, including the Art Museum and Town Hall, will be lit up red on Friday 15 August to mark the anniversary.

The Lancashire Fusiliers had an important role during the war and fought both against Germany and Japan.

On the outbreak of the war, the 1st Battalion was based in India. It subsequently fought with various formations in Burma until 1943 when it became a Chindits formation with 77th Indian Infantry Brigade. It served with the latter until the end of the campaign.

The Fusiliers Museum will be holding

• Second World War exhibition installation including focus on personal stories of those involved in the Chindits campaign
• Family Fun Day and VJ themed craft activities and object handling - Friday 15 Aug at 10am-4pm

https://www.fusiliermuseum.com/events/vj-80-family-celebration-day

There’s further information about the role of the Lancashire Fusiliers in India, Burma and the Far East, Europe and North Africa at the Fusiliers Museum and on the National Army Museum website

“VJ Day holds special significance for Bury, given the vital role played by the Lancashire Fusiliers during the war,” said Councillor Sandra Walmsley, Cabinet Member for Communities and Inclusion.

“In 1945, news of the victory sparked nationwide celebrations, with street parties, dancing, and singing marking the end of the conflict.

“Earlier this year, we commemorated Victory in Europe (VE Day) on 8 May, celebrating the Allied triumph in Europe. This month, we turn our attention to honouring the Allied victory in Asia and the Far East.

“Everyone is warmly invited to join the Mayor for a special service at the Second World War Memorial on Friday 15 August.

“To learn more about the history of the Fusiliers, visit the museum, which will be hosting an exhibition and a Family Fun Day.”

Further events to mark VJ Day 80 will be on our website here

https://www.bury.gov.uk/local-leisure-events/ve-day-80th-anniversary-celebrations